Monday, February 2, 2015

January Memories

While we are visiting the USA we, the Matias Family, are posting photos of some of the special memories we are making each month. We have already documented November and December, so now on to January!

We actually started the month at my dear sister Becky's house in Fort Mill, South Carolina, visiting her sweet family. Jessie was quite sick and we were enjoying good, quality family time... so hardly any photos were taken.

Then, January 5th we drove up to the Raleigh area! We are staying in a cozy guest house owned by Bethlehem Baptist Church for two months. I wrote a little about that here!

We started the month making informational materials to distribute at our speaking opportunities. After MANY hours of work, here are the results!

We were able to share in various settings - from two different youth groups to homeschool groups, to classes at churches. We have more sharing opportunities coming up at various churches during the month of February! If you would like to come out and hear us share, or schedule us to share at your church, youth group, Bible Study, or small group, please email us for more info: laura.felipe.matias@gmail.com

We have greatly enjoyed connecting with many friends, old and new, over meals or fun play dates!

It is so special for me to see my children playing with some of my best friends' children! I love this!

I have even gotten to enjoy a few kid-free nights out! What a treat!

During this time in Raleigh, Felipe and I both feel so renewed spiritually. Felipe has been spending extended time reading and studying the Word - like never before (on the Kindle my mom passed on to us). He is also enjoying reading and listening to various teachings by R. C, Sproul and John Piper.

I am also participating in a ladies Bible study at my home church Covenant Church International. I am so thankful to be able to be able to participate in a Bible study during this special season in the USA. We are doing a study by Beth Moore called "Children of the Day" - which is an indepth study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I also am enjoying using my new study Bible!

Undoubtedly, this extended trip to the USA has been the hardest on Jessie. She is at that special age of two, so tiredness, frustrations, and fits come along with all the newness and constant changes. She is hanging in there, but due to our ever-changing schedule, Jessie has been struggling most with her sleep. The other day we caught this cute shot of her when in the middle of an afternoon snack she suddenly fell asleep!

January was such an encouraging and refreshing month for us as a family. We are thoroughly enjoying our days in Raleigh, and we are looking forward to all the adventures and opportunities February has to bring us!